Cargo transporting conveyor apparatus

ABSTRACT

A cargo carrying structure is adapted to move along a path defined by a frame while supported by a plurality of chains. A plurality of sprocket sets, each including an inner and an outer sprocket, are supported by the frame and engaged by the chains. A plurality of rods which connect the outer chains to the cargo carrying structure are arranged to pass between the teeth of the inner sprockets. The rods are connected to intermediate connecting members which carry rollers engaged by roller guides. At least one of the chains is formed by a multiplicity of links that span a predetermined number of sprocket teeth and a lesser number of adjusting links that span a different number of sprocket teeth. The adjusting links are positioned in the chain so that the rods pass through the unfilled spaces between the teeth of the inner sprockets.

1451 Sept. 4, 1973 1 1 CARGO TRANSPORTING CONVEYOR APPARATUS [75]Inventors: Guenther L. Kuehl, Peekskill;

Alfonso DePietro, Valhalla, both of N.Y.

[73] Assignee: Guenther Systems, lnc., Buchanan,

22 Filed: June 1, 1971 211 Appl. No.: 148,865

[52] [1.8. CI. 198/154 [51] Int. Cl. B65g 17/00 [58] Field 01' Search198/154, 153, 158, 198/194, 195; 74/242.l1 P

[56] 1 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,184,039 5/1965 Czarnecki198/154 837,111 11/1906 Peabody 198/195 3,583,550 6/1971 Gardiner198/154 3,447,666 6/1969 Nevo-Hacohen 198/158 FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 1,366,836 6/1964 France 198/154 Primary Examiner-Evon C.Blunk Assistant ExaminerDoug1as D. Watts Att0rney-Brumbaugh, Graves,Donohue & Raymond [5 7 ABSTRACT A cargo carrying structure is adapted tomove along a path defined by a frame while supported by a plurality ofchains. A plurality of sprocket sets, each including an inner and anouter sprocket, are supported by the frame and engaged by the chains. Aplurality of rods which connect the outer chains to the cargo carryingstructure are arranged to pass between the teeth of the inner sprockets.The rods are connected to intermediate connecting members which carryrollers engaged by roller guides. At least one of the chains is formedby a multiplicity of links that span a predetermined number of sprocketteeth and a lesser number of adjusting links that span a differentnumber of sprocket teeth. The adjusting links are positioned in thechain so that the rods pass through the unfilled spaces between theteeth of the inner sprockets.

10 Claims, Drawing Figures PATENTEBSEP 4 ms sum-10M INVENTORS. GUENTHERL. KUEHL 8 BY ALFONSO DEPIETRO PATENTEB SEP 4 I973 SHEET 2 BF 4INVENTORS. GUENTHER L. KUEHL 8 BY ALFONSO DEPIETRO fimhf m, pmAH- W/their Afi'OR/VEYS.

mimosa 4m: 3756378 SHEET UF 4 INVENTORS. GUENTHER L. KUEHL 8 ALFONSODEPIETRO their A TORA/EYS CARGO TRANSPORTING CONVEYOR APPARATUSBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a cargotransporting conveyor apparatus, and more particularly to a conveyorapparatus in which a cargo carrying structure is supported by aplurality of chains.

It is known to construct a conveyor apparatus in which the load carryingstructure is supported on either side by a plurality of chains. Anapparatus of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,578,145, issuedto Guenther L. Kuehl on May 11, 1971, entitled Transport Device. Theapparatus shown in that patent utilizes sets of coaxial sprockets toguide and support the chains. The chains which ride on the outersprockets must be connected to the cargo carrying structure by rods thatpass over or under the inner chains. It is often necessary in devices ofthis type to arrange the sprockets so that the side of the chain whichis on the outside as the chain is engaged by one sprocket will be on theinside as the chain is engaged by another sprocket. It is, therefore,necessary for the rods connecting the outer chains to the cargo carryingstructure to be able to pass through unfilled spaces between the teethof the inner sprockets. Chains having the desired pitch do not, in manyinstances, leave unfilled spaces in the inner sprockets which arearranged in manner that permits rods connected to the outer chains topass through.

Another design limitation which has been associated with apparatus ofthe type described above is that the dimensions of the inner sprocketslimit the size of the rods connecting the outer chains to the cargocarrying structure. If the apparatus is intended to carry a relativelyheavy load, a large number of separate connections between the outerchains and the cargo carrying structure is necessary. Moreover, thenumber of possible connections is limited by the configuration of thechains and the cargo carrying structure. If a relatively small number ofseparate heavy bars are used to support the cargo, only a small numberof locations are available for connection to the chains, i.e., onelocation at the end of each bar.

Another difficulty previously encountered in the design of conveyorapparatus is that the load is always suspended between the chains. Theforces acting on the components of the chain are particularly high whenthe load is moved horizontally. It is, therefore, desirable to find asimple and effective way to support the cargo independently of thestrength of the chains while the cargo is moved horizontally.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes a number ofimprovements over previously known apparatus in which a cargo carryingstructure is supported by a plurality of chains. The apparatus is mademore efficient, simpler, more compact, and able to handle considerablyheavier loads. It comprises a frame defining a path along which thecargo can be moved, a cargo carrying structure adapted to be moved alongthe path defined by the frame, and a plurality of chains connected toand supporting the cargo carrying structure. A plurality of coaxialsprocket sets are supported by the frame and engage the links of thechains, each sprocket set comprising an inner sprocket and an outersprocket. A plurality of rods are provided which connect at least oneouter chain to the cargo carrying structure. The rods are arranged topass between the teeth of the inner sprockets. At least one of thechains is formed by a multiplicity of links that span a predeterminednumber of sprocket teeth and a lesser number of adjusting links thatspan a different number of sprocket teeth. The adjusting links arepositioned in the chain so that the rods pass through the unfilledspaces between the teeth of the inner sprockets. In one embodiment ofthe invention which is described in detail below, the links that are notadjusting links span three teeth of the sprockets, and the adjustinglinks span a single tooth.

The load carrying capacity of the apparatus can be increased withoutincreasing the size of the openings in the inner sprockets through whichthe rods must pass by utilizing intermediate connecting members, each ofwhich is connected to two or more rods. The intermediate connectingmember is connected to the cargo carrying structure at a singlelocation, thus premitting that structure to pivot with respect to theintermediate connecting member.

The load carrying capacity of the apparatus can be further increased byproviding a plurality of rollers carried by the intermediate connectingmembers. These rollers are engaged by roller guides that extend alongthe horizontal portions of the path followed by the cargo carryingstructure. This provides support for the cargo carrying structure alongthe portions of the path where the forces acting on the chains aregreatest.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An understanding of additional aspectsof the invention can be gained from a consideration of the followingdetailed description of representative embodiments of the inventiontaken in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of a cargo transporting conveyorapparatus constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a three dimensional drawing of a portion of the apparatusshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a portion of the apparatus shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a portion of a modified form ofthe apparatus shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a detailed drawing of a part of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A cargo transporting conveyorapparatus is shown in FIG. 1. The construction and operation of anapparatus which is similar in many respects is described in detail inU.S. Pat. No. 3,578,145, entitled Transport Device, issued to GuentherL. Kuehl on Nov. 2, 1969. That document is incorporated by referenceherein.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes four chain pairs l0, l2, l4 and16. The chains 10 and 14 on each side of the apparatus are arranged insuperposed interlocking relationship and are engaged by a plurality ofinner sprockets 18. The outer chains 12 and 16 are similarly arranged insuperposed interlocking relationship and are engaged by a plurality ofouter sprockets 20.

The construction of the chain pairs and the manner in which theycooperate with each other is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No.3,583,550, entitled Chain Drive,

issued on June 8, 1971, to Bayard G. Gardineer, Jr. That document isincorporated by reference herein.

The sprockets l8 and 20 are supported by a frame 22. Only fragmentaryportions of the frame 22 are shown in FIG. 1 so as not to obscure otherparts of the apparatus. A plurality of cargo carrying structures 24 aresupported on either side by the chain pairs l0, 12, 14 and 16. Eachcargo carrying structure 24 includes a series of pivotably joinedelongated tubular sections 26. A preferred embodiment of this cargocarrying structure 24 is described in greater detail in copendingapplication Ser. No. 148,385, entitled A Platform Assembly for aMultiple Chain Transport Device, filed on June 1, 1971. The cargocarrying structure 24 need not be a continuous web-like structure asillustrated in FIG. 1, but may instead comprise a series of separatebars such as are shown in FIG. 10 of US. Pat. No. 3,578,145.

The cargo carrying structure 24 moves along a path defined by the frame22 beginning at a loading point 28. The cargo is first movedhorizontally away from the loading point 28, then vertically, and thenhorizontally again to an unloading point 30. The same path can befollowed in the opposite direction by reversing the power supply.

The chain pairs 10, l2, l4 and 16 are separated throughout that portionof the path in which the cargo moves vertically. Throughout theremainder of the path, however, the chains 10, 12, 14 and 16 movetogether. Along this latter portion of the path, the sprockets 18 and 22are arranged in sets including one inner sprocket l8 and a coaxial outersprocket 20.

The manner in which the chain pairs 10, 12, 14 and 16 are connected tothe cargo carrying structure 24 can be seen most clearly in FIG. 2,which shows in detail the sprockets l8 and 20 which are journaled on theright hand end (as shown in the drawing) of a shaft 32. The outer chains12 and 16 are connected to the cargo carrying structure 24 by aplurality of rods 34 which pass through unfilled spaces between theteeth of the inner sprocket 18. On the other side of the inner sprocket18, they are connected to an intermediate connecting member 36.

Each of the links of the inner chains 10 and 14 span three teeth of theinner sprocket 18. Therefore, each third space between the teeth of thesprocket 18 is not filled by the chains 10 and 14. The outer chains 12and 16 are made up of a multiplicity of links 38 which are similar tothe links of the inner chains 10 and 14 and, thus, span three teeth ofthe sprocket 20. The rods 34 are connected at the ends of the links 38and are thus spaced by a distance equal to the distance between theunfilled spaces of the sprocket 18. Either of the outer chains 12 and 16can easily be synchronized so that the attached rods 34 will fall intothe unfilled spaces. If, however, it is assumed that the chain 16 isproperly synchronized with the chains 10 and 14 then, assuming that alllinks in the outer chains 12 and 16 are of equal length, the chain 12cannot be properly synchronized with the chains 10 and 14 because itcannot occupy the same position on the sprocket 20 as the chain 16.However, the rods 34 connected to both of the outer chains 12 and 16 arearranged in synchronization with the inner chains 10 and 14 by providingadjusting links 40 in each of the outer chains 12 and 16. The adjustinglinks 40 span a different number of teeth on the sprocket 20 than do theother more numerous links 38.

One adjusting link 40 is provided adjacent to each set of two rods 34.This short link 40 brings the rods 34 into synchronization with theunfilled spaces of the sprockets 18 which occur after every third tooth.The relationship between the chains 10, 12, 14 and 16 and thesynchronizing effect of the adjusting links 40 can be seen most clearlyin the schematic illustration of FIG. 3.

The concept of utilizing adjusting links to synchro- I nize the rodsconnected to the outer chain or chains with unfilled spaces between theteeth of the inner sprockets can be applied to a variety of arrangementsinvolving different numbers of chains having links which span differentnumbers of sprocket teeth. Many arrangements other than thosespecifically described here will occur to those skilled in the art.Another illustrative example of an arrangement similar to that shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 is shown schematically in FIG. 4.

The apparatus of FIG. 4 includes six chains. A chain 42 is arranged insuperposed interlocking relationship with a chain 44 to ride on theinnermost sprockets. These chains are connected to the cargo carryingstructure 24 by a plurality of rods 48.

Another set of interlocking chains and 52 are arranged as outer chainswith respect to the inner chains 42 and 44. The chains 50 and 52 areconnected to the cargo carrying structure 24 by a plurality of rods 54which pass through the unfilled spaces between the teeth of thesprockets that engage the inner chains 42 and 44. To affect the desiredsynchronization, the chains 50 and 52 are each formed by a multiplicityof links 56 which span a predetermined number of sprocket teeth,preferably three, and a lesser number of adjusting links 58 that span adifferent number of sprocket teeth, preferably one.

A chain 60 and another chain 62 are arranged in interlockingrelationship and engaged by the outermost sprockets. These chains areconnected to the cargo carrying structure 24 by a plurality of rods 64.The rods 64 must pass through unfilled teeth in the sprockets thatengage the chains 50 and 52 as well as the sprockets that engage theinnermost chains 42 and 44. To affect the desired synchronization, thechains 60 and 62 are each formed by a multiplicity of links 66 that spana predetermined number of sprocket teeth, preferably three, and a lessernumber of adjusting links 68 that span a different number of sprocketteeth, preferably one.

It will be apparent from a study of the arrangements shown in FIGS. 3and 4 that the same principles can be employed to accommodate any numberof chains each of which may be connected to the cargo carrying structure24. The chains may be, but need not be, arranged in interlockingrelationship to reduce the number of sprockets required. Moreover, theadjusting links could be provided in the inner chains instead of in theouter chains, thus shifting the positions of the unfilled spaces on theinner sprockets to synchronize them with the rods connected to theuniform length links of the outer chains.

Whatever arrangement of chains is selected, the rods which connect theouter chains to the cargo carrying structure 24 are limited in size bythe dimensions of the spaces between the sprocket teeth which they mustpass through. To increase the load carrying capacity of the apparatus,each connection is formed by two rods.

Each set of two rods is connected to an intermediate connecting member36. This intermediate connecting member 36 is in turn connected to theload carrying structure 24 at a single location The use of this singlelocation connection permits the intermediate connecting members 36 andthe associated rods to rotate with respect to the cargo carryingstructure 24. This ability to rotate is necessary because theorientation of the chains with respect to the cargo carrying structure24 changes as the structure 24 moves through the apparatus. It may beobserved that in apparatus of FIG. 1 when the cargo is moving verticallythe chains 10, 12, 14, and I6 and the intermediate connecting members 36assume a vertical orientation perpendicular to the cargo carryingstructure 24. When the cargo is moving horizontally, the members 36 havea horizontal orientation parallel to the cargo carrying structure 24.

It is not as important to use intermediate connecting members incombination with the innermost chains of a conveyor apparatus becausethe rods attached to those chains need not pass through sprocket teethand may, therefore, be relatively large in diameter. It is, however,preferred to use them because it reduces the number of different partsrequired, and the use of more than one rod to form each connection to achain increases the strength of that connection.

An intermediate connecting member 36 of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 isshown in greater detail in FIG.

5. The connecting member 36 is rotatably attached at a single locationto one of the members 26 that makes up the cargo carrying structure 24.It is also attached to two rods 34 which are attached to one of theouter chains 16. The rods 34 pass under an inner chain 14. The innerchain 10 and the outer chain 12 have been omitted in FIG. 5 to make thedrawing more easily understood. Each of the chains 10, 12, 14, and 16ride on a plurality of chain guides 70 which are supported by the frame22. Each chain guide is provided with a plurality of rollers 72 whichengage the chains. This reduces noise and friction throughout theapparatus.

The intermediate connecting members 36 each carry two rollers 74 whichride on roller guides 76 supported by the frame 22. The roller guides 76are arranged along those portions of the path along which the cargomoves in a horizontal direction. When the chains are suspendedhorizontally, the forces acting on the components of the chain would begreatly multiplied if support for the load were not provided by theroller guides 76.

The rollers 74 carried by the intermediate connecting member 36 arespaced apart by a distance that exceeds the length of the chain links38. This permits the connecting member 36 and associated rollers 74 topass over short interruptions in the roller guides 76 which occur atpoints where the chains 12 and 16 separate. The chain guides 70 and theroller guides 76 are not shown in FIG. 1 to avoid unnecessary complexityin the drawings.

Although the invention has been described herein with reference tospecific embodiments, many modifications and variations therein willreadily occur to those skilled in the art. For example, differentnumbers of chains could be employed, and the cargo path could have adifferent configuration. One such different configuration is shown inco-pending application Ser. No. I I2, entitled Boustrophedonic TransportDevice, filed on Jan. 2, 1970. All such modifications and variations areincluded within the intended scope of the invention as defined by thefollowing claims.

We claim:

1. A cargo transporting conveyor apparatus comprising a frame defining apath along which the cargo can be moved, a cargo carrying structureadapted to be moved along the path defined by the frame, a plurality ofchains connected to and supporting the cargo carrying structureincluding adjacent each of two sides of the cargo carrying structure atleast one outer chain and at least one inner chain disposed between saidat least one outer chain and a side of the cargo carrying structure, aplurality of sprocket sets supported by the frame which engage the linksof the chains, each sprocket set comprising an inner sprocket and anouter sprocket, a plurality of rods connecting to the cargo carryingstructure at least one outer chain and at least one inner chain on eachof said two sides of the cargo carrying structure and arranged to passbetween the teeth of the inner sprockets, at least one of the chainsbeing formed by a multiplicity of links that span a predetermined numberof sprocket teeth and a lesser number of adjusting links that span adifferent number of sprocket teeth, the adjusting links being positionedin the chain so that the rods pass through the unfilled spaces betweenthe teeth of the inner sprockets, and a link of each inner chainadjacent a rod connecting an outer chain to the cargo carrying structurebeing configured to permit the rod to lie generally in a plane of theinner chain.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least two chains are arranged insuperposed interlocking relationship.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the links that are not adjustinglinks span at least three teeth of the sprockets.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the adjusting links span a singletooth.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality ofintermediate connecting members each of which is connected to the cargocarrying structure and to at least two of the rods.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising the plurality of rollerscarried by the intermediate connecting members, and at least one rollerguide mounted on the frame and arranged along at least part of the pathto engage the rollers thereby providing support for the cargo carryingstructure.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality ofintermediate connecting members each of which is connected to the cargocarrying structure and to at least one rod, a plurality of rollerscarried by the intermediate connecting members, and at least one rollerguide mounted on the frame and arranged to engage the rollers.

8. The apparatus claim 7 wherein each intermediate connecting membercarries at least two rollers which are spaced from each other by adistance that exceeds the length of the longest links of the chain.

9. A cargo transporting conveyor apparatus comprising a frame defining apath along which the cargo can be moved, a cargo carrying structureadapted to be moved along the path defined by the frame, a plurality ofchains connected to and supporting the cargo carrying structure, aplurality of sprocket sets supported by the frame which engage the linksof the chains, each sprocket set comprising an inner sprocket and anouter engage the rollers thereby providing support for the cargocarrying structure.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein each intermediate connecting membercarries at least two rollers which are spaced from each other by adistance that exceeds the length of the longest links of the chain.

1. A cargo transporting conveyor apparatus comprising a frame defining apath along which the cargo can be moved, a cargo carrying structureadapted to be moved along the path defined by the frame, a plurality ofchains connected to and supporting the cargo carrying structureincluding adjacent each of two sides of the cargo carrying structure atleast one outer chain and at least one inner chain disposed between saidat least one outer chain and a side of the cargo carrying structure, aplurality of sprocket sets supported by the frame which engage the linksof the chains, each sprocket set comprising an inner sprocket and anouter sprocket, a plurality of rods connecting to the cargo carryingstructure at least one outer chain and at least one inner chain on eachof said two sides of the cargo carrying structure and arranged to passbetween the teeth of the inner sprockets, at least one of the chainsbeing formed by a multiplicity of links that span a predetermined numberof sprocket teeth and a lesser number of adjusting links that span adifferent number of sprocket teeth, the adjusting links being positionedin the chain so that the rods pass through the unfilled spaces betweenthe teeth of the inner sprockets, and a link of each inner chainadjacent a rod connecting an outer chain to the cargo carrying structurebeing configured to permiT the rod to lie generally in a plane of theinner chain.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least two chains arearranged in superposed interlocking relationship.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the links that are not adjusting links span at leastthree teeth of the sprockets.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein theadjusting links span a single tooth.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a plurality of intermediate connecting members each of whichis connected to the cargo carrying structure and to at least two of therods.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising the plurality ofrollers carried by the intermediate connecting members, and at least oneroller guide mounted on the frame and arranged along at least part ofthe path to engage the rollers thereby providing support for the cargocarrying structure.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising aplurality of intermediate connecting members each of which is connectedto the cargo carrying structure and to at least one rod, a plurality ofrollers carried by the intermediate connecting members, and at least oneroller guide mounted on the frame and arranged to engage the rollers. 8.The apparatus claim 7 wherein each intermediate connecting membercarries at least two rollers which are spaced from each other by adistance that exceeds the length of the longest links of the chain.
 9. Acargo transporting conveyor apparatus comprising a frame defining a pathalong which the cargo can be moved, a cargo carrying structure adaptedto be moved along the path defined by the frame, a plurality of chainsconnected to and supporting the cargo carrying structure, a plurality ofsprocket sets supported by the frame which engage the links of thechains, each sprocket set comprising an inner sprocket and an outersprocket, a plurality of rods connected to an outer chain arranged topass between the teeth of the inner sprocket, a plurality ofintermediate connecting members connecting the rods to the cargocarrying structure, each intermediate connecting member being connectedto at least two rods, a plurality of rollers carried by the intermediateconnecting members and at least one roller guide mounted on the frameand arranged to engage the rollers thereby providing support for thecargo carrying structure.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein eachintermediate connecting member carries at least two rollers which arespaced from each other by a distance that exceeds the length of thelongest links of the chain.